CONSTANTINOPLE PATRIARCHATE DECLINES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN'S OFFER
news.am
Sept 14 2010
Armenia
The Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
declined Turkish businessmen's offer to install s wooden cross on
the dome of Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island.
A source in the Van business community informed NEWS.am that on
September 14 the businessmen applied to the Patriarchate and proposed
the installation of a wooden cross as a metal one cannot be installed
for lack of time. The Turkish businessmen interested in a liturgy on
Akhtamar Island said a wooden cross would serve as a symbol before
a metal one was installed.
The Patriarchate, however, stated it is unacceptable.
NEWS.am tried to verify the information. The priest Tatul said that
he has no information on the businessmen's offer. As to whether the
Patriarchate is not informed of the proposal, he said: "Even if such
a proposal were made, it is unacceptable to us, as a wooden cross will
not be permanent because of weather. A metal cross must be installed,
which is practiced. What does it mean - installing a wooden cross
and then removing it and installing a metal one?" He announced his
information to go to Van at once.
Turkish businessmen promised to do their best for a cross to be
installed on Surb Khach church before the September 19 liturgy.
It is noteworthy that, the cross lacking, the three spiritual centers
of the Armenian people, the Holy See of Echmiadzin, Great House of
Cilicia and Jerusalem Patriarchate will not take part in the liturgy.
From: A. Papazian
news.am
Sept 14 2010
Armenia
The Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
declined Turkish businessmen's offer to install s wooden cross on
the dome of Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island.
A source in the Van business community informed NEWS.am that on
September 14 the businessmen applied to the Patriarchate and proposed
the installation of a wooden cross as a metal one cannot be installed
for lack of time. The Turkish businessmen interested in a liturgy on
Akhtamar Island said a wooden cross would serve as a symbol before
a metal one was installed.
The Patriarchate, however, stated it is unacceptable.
NEWS.am tried to verify the information. The priest Tatul said that
he has no information on the businessmen's offer. As to whether the
Patriarchate is not informed of the proposal, he said: "Even if such
a proposal were made, it is unacceptable to us, as a wooden cross will
not be permanent because of weather. A metal cross must be installed,
which is practiced. What does it mean - installing a wooden cross
and then removing it and installing a metal one?" He announced his
information to go to Van at once.
Turkish businessmen promised to do their best for a cross to be
installed on Surb Khach church before the September 19 liturgy.
It is noteworthy that, the cross lacking, the three spiritual centers
of the Armenian people, the Holy See of Echmiadzin, Great House of
Cilicia and Jerusalem Patriarchate will not take part in the liturgy.
From: A. Papazian